App Distribution Quick Start

About This Document

This quick start gets you started code signing and provisioning an app that you eventually submit to the App Store or Mac App Store. Even when you launch your app through Xcode for early testing, your app must be provisioned and code signed to run on an iOS device (an iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch) and to use certain app services such as iCloud storage, Game Center, and In-App Purchase.

This document teaches you a common Xcode workflow you perform while developing your app. You’ll learn how to add your account to Xcode, create signing identities and provisioning profiles in Xcode, verify access to Member Center, launch your app on devices, and optionally, enable app services that require provisioning. You’ll also learn best practices, such as backing up your signing identities.

This quick start is a companion document for App Distribution Guide, which covers all phases of development and alternative workflows, such as distributing your Mac app outside the Mac App Store.

How to Use This Document

This document applies to both iOS and Mac apps unless otherwise indicated. It is assumed that you’re the person who enrolls in the iOS Developer Program or Mac Developer Program and who has permission to create code signing and provisioning assets in Member Center.

Important: If you’re a team member for a company, note that some steps need to be performed by the person—a team agent or admin—who manages your team. Specifically, the team agent or admin needs to approve your development certificate request and register your device for you, as described in Managing Your Team in App Distribution Guide.

Read the “About…” section at the beginning of each chapter to learn more about the assets you’ll create and understand the terms used in Xcode dialogs and messages. Read the “Verify…” sections to learn where your assets reside and how to inspect them, which is the first step in troubleshooting.